Daud Olatunji
In a significant breakthrough against cyberstalking and blackmail, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has apprehended three individuals linked to the notorious Gistlover blog.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that the arrests followed a petition by Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Seye Oladejo, highlighting the blog’s involvement in conspiracy, cyberstalking, and threats to life.
Adejobi said the suspects—Adebukola Kolapo, Nnedum Micheal Somtomchukwu, and Isaac Akpokighe who were members of the Gistlover family, have been integral to the daily operations of the microblogging platform known for its cyberstalking, incitement, and blackmail activities.
He added that Adebukola Kolapo, also known as Omo oba Gistlover, played a pivotal role in creating over 80 percent of Gistlover pages.
Accoridng to him, Adebukola was responsible for scouting, editing, and captioning content, including the cyberstalking post against Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Oluseyi Oladejo.
Adejobi stated that Adebukola’s digital footprint facilitated the criminal acts, and he was involved in laundering money obtained through illicit schemes.
He explained that Digital forensic analysis uncovered eight Gistlover pages created by Adebukola, along with wallet addresses used for money laundering.
Adejobi further explained that the second suspect, Nnedum Somtochukwu, actively participated in the conspiracy by redirecting traffic to new pages whenever the platform faced sanctions.
‘He received incentives such as referrals for promotions from the syndicate’s head and engaged in sharing defamatory content.
‘Isaac Akpokighe, the third suspect, imitated the Gistlover blog, creating several pages to mirror its activities, including reposting defamatory posts against the complainant and other notable Nigerians.
‘Digital forensics led to the recovery of four Gistlover pages created by Isaac Apkokogho.
‘The suspects will face charges in court upon the completion of the investigation.
‘The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, commended the NPF-NCCC for its efforts and reiterated the Force’s commitment to ensuring citizens’ safety both in the physical and digital space.’
Adejobi said the warning against partnerships supporting illegal activities of such blogs was strongly emphasised by the Inspector General of Police, applauding the NPF-NCCC led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry for their dedication in addressing cyber threats.
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